The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa has issued a warning to Nigerians residing in South Africa ahead of the 2023 Afcon semi-final match. The High Commission advises the Nigerian community to be vigilant and carefully choose where they will watch the match scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the Buoake Stadium. In their statement, the Nigerian High Commission cites 'potentially inflammatory online comments' made by some South African citizens against Nigerians living in the host country as the reason for this advisory.
They further highlight threats directed at Nigerians who prepare jollof rice before the match and warnings to 'show pepper' to Nigerians if the Bafana Bafana lose to the Super Eagles. Additionally, they urge avoidance of provocative comments and excessive celebrations that could lead to trouble if Nigeria wins.

In response, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of South Africa has labeled the statement as 'an unfortunate advisory issued by the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Pretoria.' The South African cooperation describes it as 'regrettable' because it has caused alarm and unnecessary tension between the citizens of South Africa and Nigerians living or visiting South Africa. They emphasize that the South African national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, has played against their Nigerian counterparts, the Super Eagles, on numerous occasions without any history of soccer hooliganism among South Africans. DIRCO expresses confidence that their sports-loving nation poses no threat to Nigerian citizens.

Nigeria and South Africa are both countries on the African continent and, despite being brothers due to their shared continent, their rivalry is intense.